Monthly Archives: June 2013

Women Screaming In Joy / Finally watched Magic Mike. An easy watch with enough going on that it isn’t an entirely somnolent experience. Soderbergh’s effortless and perfect camera work gently absorbing the Florida coastline and club life. An undeniably charming and confident Channing Tatum shaking his very fine ass. Plus and obviously Matthew McConaughey in a role that seems absolutely written for him, sleazy and ridiculous and menacing and buffoonish and banal all at once.

But what stays with me the most were all the shots and stretches of women really fucking enjoying themselves, in a state of free and joyous and uncomplicated pleasure, screaming and laughing and having a hell of a time. It was one of those times when seeing it makes clear how rarely we ever get to see it–if ever.

Cinefamily’s Lost and Found Film Club / They must have known I needed it for my research–this past month, the Cinefamily has been screening films around the theme of Sects, Cults and Mind Control, and last night Hadrian Belove and Tom Fitzgerald took us on a 90-minute lecture tour through old footage of various cult leaders (they located, dug through and edited together what seems like it must have been an unimaginable pile of lost and found footage–news clips, investigative documentaries, internal Scientology corporate films for middle management from the 1980s, etc), curated with remarkable thoroughness, thoughtfulness and humor. I will absolutely be back for this series, which takes on a different theme every month. (If anyone wants to join me for the Scientology panel on Wednesday night, buy tickets now).

The Spurs Defense Against LeBron in Game 5 on Sunday Night / There were so many moments when LeBron had the ball in his hands and a basket seemed all but inevitable–a wicked Heat steal, or defensive rebound, or stupid Spurs slip-up followed by a lightning fast transition down the court that all but demanded the other team simply surrender to King James. And normally, even great players and teams do surrender–they chalk it up to a defense that just isn’t worth the energy, and reserve themselves and settle in for the next play.

And over and over and over again,the Spurs fought all the way to the very end of James’ efforts–and, incredibly, made blocks. The play was fearless and hungry and wasn’t going to give up a single easy bucket, not even to Lebron. I hope they can keep it together for tonight’s game.

Pig bottoms / On the window of a Vietnamese restaurant in Westminster, the All American City of Orange County.

And finally / Watching a woman sitting in LA Mill, clearly interviewing for a job. She’s in her mid to late 40s, wearing a suit, a resume on cream colored textured bond paper lying between her and a portly fellow in his 50s, also in a suit, going on and on in a gaseous fashion. I saw her face tighten into the expression of resigned patience as this guy mansplained his way through his importance, for long, long minutes. Lady in a black suit, I appreciate you.

This is the final week of my installation, The Whore’s Dialogue, being up at the MCA Denver. I’m so glad for everyone who has made it to the show–if you want to see it, or want to see it one last time, now is the time to go! It’s been amazing to work with the MCA, and a pleasure to see the piece there.